Make a Necklace With 20-Second Beads!

If your kid looks like she needs a break from homework, or something to work on during the commercials of her favorite show, help show her how to make a paper bead—in just 20 seconds! She can make a short necklace or bracelet in only one evening, or a longer necklace in two. Plus, reusing your magazines is eco-friendly, because most magazines get only one reading.

What You Need:

What You Do:

Have your child look for magazine photos that are at least 6” on one side. Small patterns or solid colors in complementary colors work best.

Invite her to draw a long, skinny triangle that has a 1” base and comes to a point at 6". Cut it out.

Now, have her trace around the first triangle to make the rest. She'll need 7 triangles to make a bracelet, and up to 18 to make a necklace.

When your kid has made enough triangles, instruct her to apply glue to every part of each triangle (except the base).

Starting with the base of the triangle, show her how to wrap the triangle around a knitting needle and slowly wind it up. Make sure the point is glued down securely.

Ask her to remove the bead from the needle. There will be a hollow center for stringing the bead along.

Have your child make the rest of the beads.

Next, have her cut about a 10” length of elastic, or whatever length she wants her jewelry to be. Allow a few inches extra to tie a knot.

Finally, have her tie a strong knot (double or triple-knot it) and snip off the ends of the elastic. It's ready to wear! Encourage her to wear the necklace to school, and wait for the compliments to come her way.